Christmas markets are known for their charm — twinkling lights, festive music, and cozy wooden stalls offering handmade goods.
But at one such market, a single booth stirred controversy, drawing attention not for its decorations, but for its alleged ties to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The booth was operated by nuns from the St. Elisabeth Monastery in Minsk, Belarus, according to Ziare.
The monastery is affiliated with the Moscow Patriarchate and openly supports Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Russia’s military actions.
Threw Out Nuns From Christmas Market
Activists accused the nuns of using the market to raise funds that ultimately support these causes.
“These nuns attend events across Europe, selling goods to finance the Lukashenko regime and Russian soldiers,” said Olga Homici, a member of the Belarusian civic initiative Szczecin 646.
According to Homici, proceeds from their sales have been used to purchase equipment, vehicles, and even ammunition for Russian troops.
The revelations prompted immediate action. Local activists organized a protest, and the municipal company overseeing the market quickly terminated the nuns’ contract.
“After learning about their additional activities, we took steps to end their participation. They will not return now or in the future,” said Selina Volosh, a spokesperson for the company.
This incident took place at a Christmas market in Szczecin, Poland. It wasn’t the first time the nuns had drawn scrutiny.
Earlier this year, they appeared at other Polish events, including the Festival of Three Cultures in Włodawa and during All Saints’ Day in Warsaw.
Poland has been a strong supporter of Ukraine throughout the war, hosting millions of Ukrainian refugees and opposing Russian influence in Europe.
The presence of the Belarusian nuns at such public events has sparked outrage, reflecting broader tensions between those who support Ukraine and those seen as aligned with Moscow.
